NEWS 8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS February 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk Driveline Solutions expands hydraulics business in the UK through the acquisition of Flowfit Axel Johnson International’s business group Driveline Solutions has strengthened its presence in the UK and expanded its hydraulics business through the acquisition of Flowfit, a leading distributor of hydraulic components and systems for off-highway, marine and industrial applications. Based in Ludlow, Flowfit has established a strong position in the UK market with a wide customer base. The acquisition reinforces Driveline Solutions’ strategic focus on the hydraulics segment and establishes a strong platform for growth in the UK market. Flowfit is a UK-based distributor and manufacturer of hydraulic components and systems, serving off-highway sectors including agriculture and forestry, as well as marine and industrial applications. The company offers a wide range of hydraulic products and accessories, including power packs, cylinders, valves, motors, pumps, hoses, connectors, and filtration products, and is known for its strong customer focus, technical expertise, and ability to deliver tailored solutions. Headquartered in Ludlow, with an additional sales office in Wellingborough, Flowfit employs 42 people and has built a strong reputation for quality, service, and reliability. Flowfit is further recognised for its capable e-commerce platform, highly appreciated by customers for its user-friendly and extensive offering. “Flowfit is a family business built on solid values and longterm commitment, which aligns very well with Driveline Solutions’ culture and strategy,” says Jan Brattberg, Managing Director, Driveline Solutions. “This acquisition represents a natural step in the continued development and expansion of our hydraulics business. Flowfit complements our existing companies in terms of suppliers, market segments, and capabilities, and further strengthens our presence in the UK.” “We are very happy to join Axel Johnson International and Driveline Solutions,” added Simon Parsonage, Founder and Managing Director, Flowfit. “We see great opportunities to grow the business further and reach new heights together. Axel Johnson International is a long-term, responsible, and valuedriven owner with deep industrial knowledge and a hands-on approach, an ideal partner for our continued growth journey.” The acquisition of Flowfit reinforces Driveline Solutions’ strategic focus on the hydraulics segment and establishes a strong platform for growth in the UK market. While joining Axel Johnson International and Driveline Solutions, Flowfit will continue to operate as an independent company. Simon Parsonage will remain in his current role as Managing Director and will retain a minority shareholding. Students triumph at robotics Challenge Finals at University of Huddersfield Robotics was the focus of a Science and Technology Challenge regional final designed to boost interest in studying STEM subjects, which was held at the University of Huddersfield. The event involved 22 students from 11 different schools, who were part of the overall winning teams from a number of earlier Challenge Days held over the summer last year. The Northeast Challenge Finals have been hosted by the University since 2023 and involve Dr Karl Walton, Acting Head of Department for Engineering. This year, the students were also able to experience a demonstration of two of the University’s robots first-hand and were given a glimpse into how the dog and humanoid robots are involved in various research projects, such as assisted living, as well as teaching and the University’s new Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence. Dr Walton commented: “The students and I had a great time. They worked well together in teams across different schools, implementing a graphical scripting
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